Eight Tips for Helping Young Readers Bloom

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Spring is here, so many people are planning and prepping to work in their gardens. In many places, spring flowers are already blooming or daffodils and other spring bulbs are poking up out of the warming soil. Given the right conditions and care, gardens can be thriving, vibrant places full of life. And the same is true for young readers! So, to celebrate spring and gardens and reading, here are ten tips to help your young readers bloom and thrive, along with some garden photos for some garden inspiration. 1. Just like flowers, budding readers blossom in their own time. Encourage them, but let them grow at their own pace. 2. Gardens need the right nutrients to grow, and this can vary depending on the plant. The same is true for young readers. Fertilize young readers minds with consistent, nutrient-rich mind food. In other words, offer a variety of books! But remember, not all growing readers will respond to the same books the same way.  Cone flowers and black-eyed Susans in Rebecca'
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Summer Challenge Week Five: Summer Celebrations

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It's week five of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge, and that means Summer Celebrations! There are so many things to celebrate in the summer: the Fourth of July, summer birthdays, vacations, no school. Why not celebrate with some books about celebrations and some celebrating of your own? Maybe there's a summer birthday in your family. Celebrating the 4th of July? Add some reading to the festivities. Or maybe you just want an excuse to party! Whatever your reason to celebrate, we hope this week's theme gets you reading and partying with the people you love.

Ideas for books to read:

  • Apple Pie 4th of July by Janet S. Wong, illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine. This is a lovely book that celebrates not only American independence, but also the diversity of America and Americans.
  • Chimpanzees for Tea by Jo Empson. A clever and fun read aloud. Why not read this and have a summer tea party?
  • The Piñata that the Farm Maiden Hung by Samantha R. Vamos, illustrated by Sebastia Serra. A fun step-and-repeat story that blends Spanish language into the text. Whatever you're celebrating, add a piñata to the festivities!
Ideas for things to discuss:
  • What are some of your ways to celebrate?
  • Do you have a favorite summer holiday?
  • What ways do you see other cultures influencing American celebrations?
  • Have you ever had a tea party? 
  • If you could invite anyone in the world to your party, who would it be?
  • What are some reasons to celebrate that are NOT birthdays or holidays?
Ideas for things to do:
  • Choose a holiday to celebrate (even if the date is past). For lesser known holidays, check out National Day Calendar and pick one to celebrate. For example, July 5th is National Graham Cracker day (are you thinking...s'mores?). 
  • Host a summer tea party. Serve refreshing treats, lemonade, and iced tea.
  • Invite neighbors over for a backyard barbecue.
  • Have a picnic in the park (bring a piñata just because).
  • Celebrating the 4th of July? Go to a fireworks show or light up some sparklers at home.
  • Host an ice cream social. Serve vanilla and chocolate ice cream and provide lots of toppings for people to make their own sundaes.
What are you favorite ways to celebrate during the summer? Let us know in the comments and/or share on social media with the hashtag #RDDSummerChallenge.

Comments

Mindy Baker said…
Great theme and post! I love the books you recommend!
July 1, 2022 at 8:52 AM
Rebecca Gomez said…
Mindy, I'd love to know your recommendations for celebratory books!
July 1, 2022 at 2:08 PM
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